Looking up...
To engage in casual or malicious talk about others' faults or personal matters, often in a judgmental or unkind way.
同事们在会议室里说长道短，完全不顾及别人的感受。
The colleagues gossiped in the meeting room without considering others' feelings.
他总是说长道短，从来不反省自己的问题。
He always criticizes others but never reflects on his own issues.
Often implies negative intent or judgmental behavior. Can be used neutrally in some contexts to mean 'discuss casually.'
While '说长道短' often means gossip, it can sometimes be used neutrally to mean 'discuss casually.' Pay attention to tone and context to distinguish between neutral discussion and malicious gossip.
This idiom is informal and judgmental. Use neutral phrases like '讨论' (discuss) or '交流看法' (exchange opinions) in professional or formal contexts.
Originates from the Tang Dynasty (618–907 CE). The phrase combines '说长' (talk about good points) and '道短' (talk about shortcomings), originally implying balanced discussion. Over time, it evolved to emphasize the negative act of criticizing others.
Common in both spoken and written Chinese, especially in informal or social contexts. Often carries a negative connotation, implying judgmental or petty behavior. Avoid using in formal or professional settings unless quoting someone's speech.